School of Indian Percussion and Music

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About Us

The School of Indian Percussion and Music (SIPM), A 501(C)3 non-profit, is based in Austin ,TX. Under the direction of Tabla Maestro Gourisankar, the school offers individual and group lessons and presents both professional and student events throughout the year. Online lessons and tabla workshops offered as well.

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Celebrating 17 Years of Musical Excellence

The Journey of the School of Indian Percussion and Music with Pandit Gourisankar

A Legacy of Rhythm, Tradition, and Innovation

For the past 17 years, the School of Indian Percussion and Music has been a beacon of Indian classical music, dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich traditions of Indian percussion. Guided by the exceptional vision of its Founder, Pandit Gourisankar, the school has nurtured generations of students in the art of Tabla, one of the most revered instruments in Indian classical music.

Over the years, the school has become a hub of musical learning, offering students not just technical expertise, but also a deep cultural understanding of Indian rhythms. This milestone is a testament to the dedication, passion, and perseverance of Pandit Gourisankar, who has transformed his dream into a thriving institution that celebrates the essence of Indian music.

17 Years of Musical Excellence: Milestones and Achievements

The journey of the School of Indian Percussion and Music has been one of continuous growth and achievement. Here are some of the key milestones in our 16-year journey:

Founding of the School (2008)

What began as a humble vision to share the knowledge of tabla and Indian percussion soon blossomed into a respected institution. Pandit Gourisankar established the school with the goal of creating a space where students could learn under the tutelage of a master and immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Indian music.

Growing Student Community

Over the years, the school has educated hundreds of students from all walks of life, providing them with an authentic and rigorous training in tabla and percussion. The school has fostered an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages students to reach their highest potential.

Master Classes and Workshops

Pandit Gourisankar and guest artists have conducted numerous workshops, master classes, and performances, offering students the opportunity to learn from a diverse range of maestros from India and abroad. These interactions have expanded students’ horizons, enriching their musical perspectives.

National and International Recognition

The school’s reputation has grown exponentially, with students performing on prestigious stages around the world. The influence of the Punjab and Farukabad Gharanas has been felt globally, as the school continues to gain recognition as a leading institution for tabla education.

Cultural Outreach Programs

Through its outreach initiatives, the school has reached thousands of people, sharing the beauty of Indian percussion and music with communities and institutions. The school has conducted numerous free concerts, educational workshops, and collaborative performances, making Indian classical music accessible to all.

Dedicated to Innovation

While deeply rooted in tradition, the School of Indian Percussion and Music has embraced modern techniques and digital tools to enrich its curriculum. Online courses, video tutorials, and virtual performances have allowed the school to extend its reach to a global audience.

Looking Forward: The Next Chapter of the Journey

As we celebrate 17 years of excellence, we remain committed to our mission of nurturing the next generation of tabla musicians and preserving the art of Indian percussion. With the continued guidance of Pandit Gourisankar, we look forward to expanding our programs, reaching new audiences, and continuing to uphold the rich traditions of the Punjab and Farukabad Gharanas.

We thank all of our students, teachers, volunteers, and supporters who have been part of this incredible journey. Your dedication and passion make the School of Indian Percussion and Music a truly special place. Together, we will continue to celebrate the rhythms of India and ensure that this ancient art form remains alive for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of our 17-year journey. The rhythm of India continues to thrive because of your unwavering support and dedication!

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School of Indian Percussion and Music

5.0

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Nabanita Guha

15:55 19 May 24

The School of Indian Percussion and Music stands as a pillar of cultural and musical excellence, offering an unparalleled education in the art of tabla and Indian percussion. Under the guidance of Pandit Gourisankar ji, students are immersed in a rich repertoire that spans both Farukabaad and Punjab styles of Tabla, reflecting the depth and diversity of Indian musical heritage.The curriculum is meticulously designed to cater to all levels of proficiency, from beginners to advanced practitioners. It emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring students gain a comprehensive understanding of rhythm, composition, and improvisation. The school's commitment to preserving and propagating traditional forms while encouraging innovation is evident in the breadth of its offerings.Students at the School of Indian Percussion and Music are not merely learning to play an instrument; they are engaging with a profound cultural tradition. The training in tabla extends beyond technique, fostering an appreciation for the intricate patterns and subtle nuances that define Indian percussion. This holistic approach nurtures not only accomplished musicians but also culturally aware individuals.The faculty, comprised of revered artists and educators, brings a wealth of experience and passion to their teaching. Their personalized instruction and mentorship help each student unlock their potential, cultivating a deep, enduring connection to the music. Regular workshops, performances, and collaborative projects further enrich the learning experience, providing students with ample opportunities to showcase their talents and learn from their peers.In essence, the School of Indian Percussion and Music is more than an educational institution; it is a vibrant community dedicated to the celebration and transmission of Indian musical arts. Through its rigorous training and expansive curriculum, it ensures that the timeless art of tabla continues to thrive, inspiring future generations of musicians.We are blessed 🙏

ARGHA GUHA

22:19 29 Nov 23

Exceptional Indian Classical Musical Institution - A 5-Star Rating!I am thrilled to share my glowing review of SIPM, an outstanding musical institution that deserves every bit of its 5-star rating.From the moment I enrolled myself and then in few years my daughter at SIPM for tabla lessons, I was impressed by the warm and nurturing environment that defines the music school. Indian Classical Musics depicts a traditional process of knowledge impart via Guru and Student relationship (Parampara). I have found that tradition and strong bonding and relationship here between our Guru Pandit Gourisankar Ji and students including me and my daughter. We are so blessed to be able to learn the Tabla repertoire of Farukabaad and Punjab Gharana under Guruji's guidance.The commitment to Musical academic excellence is evident in every aspect of the school. The curriculum is well-designed, challenging, and fosters a love for learning. The teacher or our Guru is not just educators but mentors who inspire students to reach their full potential.The school places a strong emphasis on school recitals once in Fall and once in Spring after semester ends where the students perform and demonstrate the skills learned through semester as this is a performing art. Apart from regular recital, SIPM organizes Indian Classical Concerts where our Gururji and other leading maestros from India regularly visit, perform and encourage the students to learn more and carry the repertoire.Apart from Tabla, Violin and Kathak (Hundustani Classical dance classes also happen).

P D

03:32 25 Nov 23

I am grateful that I found SIPM. Learning tabla from the great tabla maestro Pt. Gouri Shankar Guruji is a dream come true. You will not only learn but also start to love playing the tabla and the music it creates. Highly recommend if any one wants to learn tabla.

Raka Bhaduri

21:01 22 Nov 23

SIPM is the best Indian percussion school in town. Guruji is an extremely caring and loving teacher who provides the right values and education to the next generation on Indian drums, tabla and music. We are blessed to have his guidance for our son who started learning tabla at 3yrs. old. It has been more than 6 yrs. now that Guruji has been nurturing him to fall in love with this instrument. The recitals at the end of a semester is a testament to the high levels of performance we get to see, by a variety of age groups demonstrating confidence, love and respect towards tabla.

Sita M

23:41 20 Nov 23

I consider this not as a review but as a written token of gratitude to Pandit Shri Gourisankar Karmakar, who we all lovingly call as "Guruji".Guruji is one of the world-renowned virtuosos in the Indian percussion musical instrument called Tabla and it is rarer to see such musical exponent to also be a "Teacher Extraordinaire" when working with any student. A student's age becomes surprisingly irrelevant at the School of Indian Percussion & Music (SIPM).We were very fortunate to learn about Guruji 5 years ago and have enrolled our son to learn Tabla from him when he was 4 years old. From the very first lesson, it was evident that Guruji possessed a rare combination of technical brilliance and a genuine passion for nurturing the musical talents of young minds. His ability to communicate complex musical concepts in a way that captivates and engages children is nothing short of remarkable. Guruji creates an environment that is not only conducive to learning and infused with an infectious enthusiasm for the art of music, but is also filled with laughter and pure joy.One of the most impressive aspects of Guruji's teaching approach is the careful balance between structure and creativity. While providing a solid foundation in musical technique and theoru, Guruji encourages students to slowly infuse their own artistic expression once they achieve a certain skill level. This unique blend of discipline and freedom not only keeps the lessons dynamic and exciting but also instill in budding musicians a sense of confidence and ownership over their musical journey.Beyond the technicalities of music, Guruji imparts valuable life skills to their students. The importance of discipline, humbleness, perseverance, and values is woven seamlessly into the fabric of each lesson. This holistic approach not only produces exceptional musicians but also well-rounded individuals who carry the lessons learned from Guruji into all facets of their lives.Furthermore, Guruji has a gift for identifying and nurturing the individual strengths of each student. Whether it's an inclination towards a specific kayda, Rela or a composition Style, Guruji tailors his instruction to amplify and refine the unique talents of every student under his guidance. This personalized approach ensures that each student reaches their fullest potential, creating a legacy of excellence on the bigger musical stage.In conclusion, Pandit Gourisankar Karmakarji stands as a paragon of musical education, a maestro whose impact extends far beyond the musical instrument or the 4 walls where the lesssons are taught. His dedication to cultivating the next generation of musicians is not only commendable but absolutely inspiring. For any parent seeking a music teacher who is adept at guiding a student towards their musical greatness while also teaches them great values in life, Guruji is the unequivocal choice.The students of SIPM are very fortunate to have such a brilliant teacher who is fostering a new generation of musicians destined for greatness.

Abhijit K

04:34 16 Nov 23

SIPM and Guruji Pt. GouriShankar ji are tremendous blessings for all of us in Austin. Through his unique way of teaching our children the wonders of Indian classical music, we are indeed blessed. He not only is teaching our kids tabla but is also giving them valuable lessons of the greatness of our Indian culture through the beauty of music. Glory and growth to Guruji and SIPM!